Stags, Bombers dispute second title slot today

MANILA–Confident despite losing its twice-to-beat advantage, San Sebastian seeks the second finals berth against Jose Rizal U today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament. The Stags and the Bombers take the floor at 2 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan, with the winner advancing to the finals opposite San Beda, which will be armed with a thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals. San Sebastian clinched the No. 2 seed in the Final Four, but lost its twice-to-beat advantage after San Beda completed a 16-game sweep of the elimination round and forced the stepladder semifinals. The Bombers, seeded third with a 12-4 record at the end of the elimination round, ousted the Mapua Cardinals, 60-54, last Wednesday to forge the knockout showdown with the Stags. “There’s no use ruing the loss of our twice-to-beat advantage,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. “I still feel good about our chances (in the semifinals).” One reason for Agustin’s optimism is the expected return of swingman Ronald Pascual, who missed the last three weeks of the elimination round because of dengue fever. Without the sweet-shooting Pascual, San Sebastian dropped its last two games, including an 82-90 defeat to San Beda in the last game of the elimination round. “I saw a lot of positive things from my team in that loss (to San Beda) and I hope they will put that to good use against JRU,” Agustin added. The Bombers, in search of their first crown since 1972, are hoping to return to the Finals since losing to the Lions in three games two years ago. JRU coach Vergel Meneses feels his Bombers have what it takes to dethrone the Stags. “We cannot be intimidated by San Sebastian,” said Meneses. “We have to double our efforts.” Turnovers have proven to be the Bombers’ waterloo as they registered 31 in the 54-61 second-round loss to the Stags. JRU’s Cameroonian center Joe Etame looks to sustain his fine form after playing his best game against the Cardinals, whom he torched for 17 points, including 15 in the second half. “I think we are tougher today than when we lost to them in the second round,” said Etame. “We have to come up with everything we have to beat the Stags.” Photo by Celest Flores